And the Pilgrims also threatened when Oscar Threlkeld did superbly down the right to zip past Lucas and drill in a low cross, which looked like a tap-in for Arnold Garita but the excellent youngster Alexander-Arnold nipped in to clear for a corner.

Klopp, with his team competing on three domestic fronts, including a second-leg EFL Cup semi-final clash at home to Southampton in six days, opted to rest many of his stars last night.

But it was an opportunity for Coutinho to get closer to full fitness and a chance for England striker Sturridge to show he can be the man to get the goals the German manager will need if they are to land any trophy at all.

He cannot have left his boss too hopeful after this display.

At least the Pilgrims knew came away with over £1m from this glamour replay and put in a display against the seven-time FA Cup winners which did not reflect badly on their division.

As for Klopp he will have been pleased by the maturity shown by his rookies and delighted they did enough to avoid him having to face loud accusations about disrespecting the FA Cup.